Ep 1. The Foundling

The Waltons is an American television series which aired from 1971-1981. It followed the lives of the Walton family, a close-knit family living during the Great Depression in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. The show was a popular family drama that emphasized traditional values and the importance of community.

In season 1 episode 1, entitled "The Foundling," viewers are introduced to the Walton family as they go about their daily lives on Walton's Mountain. The patriarch of the family is John Walton (Ralph Waite), a hardworking sawmill owner who is struggling to provide for his family during tough economic times. His wife, Olivia (Michael Learned), is a kind-hearted homemaker who is devoted to her family.

The episode centers around the arrival of a foundling baby whom the family decide to take in as their own. Although initially hesitant, John and Olivia are soon won over by the baby's innocence and decide to adopt him. The other children in the family – John-Boy, Mary Ellen, Jim-Bob, and Elizabeth – are excited to have a new baby brother, but also worried about how to take care of him.

As the family navigates their new role as parents to a newborn, they also face other challenges. John's sawmill is struggling to make ends meet, and he must decide whether or not to accept a contract that could save his business but could also mean working longer hours and less time with his family. Meanwhile, Olivia is dealing with her own personal struggles, as she begins to question whether or not she is cut out for motherhood.

"The Foundling" sets the stage for the rest of the series, introducing viewers to the various members of the Walton family and their struggles to survive during a difficult time in American history. The episode also highlights the importance of family, community, and the bonds that tie us together.

Throughout the episode, viewers are struck by the kindness and generosity of the Walton family, who are willing to take in a stranger and give him a home. The show portrays a simpler time when neighborly kindness and a strong sense of community were the norm, something that many viewers found comforting and nostalgic.

Overall, "The Foundling" is a heartwarming episode that introduces viewers to a group of characters that will become beloved over the course of the series. With its emphasis on family, tradition, and community, The Waltons remains a popular and timeless show that continues to resonate with audiences today.